What is Geography? How people interact with their surroundings.

Two broad branches Physical Geography Cultural (Human) Geography The study of how earth’s features vary from place to place. Cultural (Human) Geography The study of people and how their activities vary from place to place.

Physical Geography Natural features on the surface of the earth and the physical environment Climate Ecosystems – vegetation and animals Landforms

Examples of Physical Geography Meteorology- the study of weather Cartography-the study of map making Astronomy-the study of planets, stars and other heavenly bodies Geology-the study of the history of the earth thru rock formations. Zoology-the study of animals Botany-the study of plants and plant life Volcanology-the study of volcanoes.

Cultural (Human) Geography The study of people Beliefs Traditions Way of life Economic activities Government systems Religion Language Gender roles

Examples of Human Geography Economics-the study of economic systems Medical-the treatment of illnesses and diseases in humans and animals Religion- the worship of the higher being Culture- a people’s way of life Language-they ways of communication between people. Politics-they study of systems of government Population- people, density, patterns and trends

Themes of Geography Movement Human Environmental Interaction Region Formal, Functional, Perceptual Place Human and Physical Characteristics Location Absolute and relative